Virgin Launches Manchester To Pakistan Service

Virgin Atlantic is launching flights to Islamabad out of Manchester Airport starting this December.

The new service goes on sale from next Tuesday subject to applicable regulatory approvals, and will boost Virgin Atlantic’s Upper Class, Premium and Economy Light, Classic and Delight offerings.

Pakistan has the seventh largest diaspora in the world and the new service aims to capitalise upon the demand to visit friends and relatives (VFR) in Pakistan from customers in the UK, as well as capturing demand for business travel to the region.

Adventurous travellers will also have the opportunity to explore the foothills of the Himalayas outside Islamabad.

As well as flying customers, Virgin Atlantic will also offer a fast, efficient cargo service presenting new opportunities for companies looking to export and import goods such as fresh produce and textiles between prime markets in the UK, US and Pakistan.

Julian Carr, Aviation Director at Manchester Airport, said: “It’s great to see Virgin Atlantic commence services to Pakistan from Manchester Airport.

“It marks the airline’s commitment to the region with this first eastbound service from Manchester and the North.

“We are sure the route will be incredibly popular with the thousands of passengers across our vast catchment that visit Pakistan either for business, or to visit friends and relatives.”

Juha Jarvinen, Chief Commercial Officer at Virgin Atlantic commented: “With travel restrictions remaining in place for many destinations around the world, we’re continually evaluating our network, looking at customer demand and where there are opportunities to launch new services.

“Pakistan is an extremely exciting opportunity for us – it boasts one of the largest foreign-born populations in both the UK and the US and, as people start to travel to visit loved ones, we’re anticipating the demand to visit friends and relatives will increase post COVID-19.

"Islamabad is a popular year-round destination and we look forward to welcoming travellers onboard as demand for leisure and business travel gradually increases to the region.”

For further information visit www.virginatlantic.com.